Can your business help?

If so Emma Meeres wants to hear from you - she works at St Mary's Trust as liason coordinator between employers and college learners.

Emma has been successful in finding placements for youngsters so they can experience the type of work they might do in the future, but now she is hoping to find other businesses in Bexhill and surrounding area that might be able to take part.

St. Mary's College in Wrestwood Road provides a fully supported waking curriculum for young adults aged 16-19 with special needs.

Emma commented: "My job is to liase with local businesses in order to create a link with the community and provide students with the possibility of work experience placement.

"We currently have links with businesses such as John O'Conner's Contracters, Battle Abbey Preparatory School, Plumpton College Farm, Pebsham Riding Stables, Y.M.C.A, ASPECT-County Media South, Abbey Pets, Pestalozzi Village, Lime End Farm, R & D sports & Bexhill Library.

"Each of these businesses provide placements to either an individual student or a large group of students throughout the college weekly timetable.

"Students are given the opportunity to learn both interpersonal or practical skills which will then prepare them further for their vocational pathway on completion of their three year college course at St. Mary's.

"Without the support of these businesses, our learners would not have the opportunity to gain the essential benefits learnt from a working environment such as building confidence and self-esteem, establishing strong, two-way communication skills, building practical skills appropriate to their needs, feeling a sense of achievement, building interpersonal skills".

She assures potential participators that although certain criteria need to be filled, such as risk assessment and suitability for students, these are not intrusive and will be carried out by St Mary's staff who will also support the youngster during the placement if necessary.

Anyone interested in offering a chance of work experience to students can call Emma on 01424 730740, or email her on [email protected].